Who We Are Is Why We Fight
Stop Probate Fraud is a group of volunteers working to spot, stop and recover from fraud in probates, trusts, guardianships and estates. We work at the local level with individuals who have been targeted by financial predators.
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners defines fraud this easily: Theft by deception. Fraud is intentional, focused and personal: It is a calculated event that targets the weak, innocent, naïve and ignorant. Fraud is illegal and can be battled in both criminal and civil courts.
Our loosely-knit “band of brothers” includes fraud examiners, accountants, bankers, brokers, realtors, lawyers, doctors, and journalists. Our volunteers are different ages, genders, races, religions and political stripes. But we are unified by this core value: We don’t want to live in a world that is ruled by fraud and corruption.
To stop fraud or corruption, it must be confronted. Fraud does not voluntarily quit.
Fighting is often brutal work. It means coming face-to-face with the worst traits in humanity. Greed, anger, deceit, jealousy, gluttony and vengeance are a fraud-fighter’s daily companion. It is toxic work, which most people avoid.
In many cases, insult and ridicule is added to the process. The people who confront fraud are often attacked and mocked. They are called “rats” or “unhinged” or “troublemakers.” That makes fighting fraud a job that’s both toxic and lonely.
But when people shrink from this conflict—if fraud is accomodated—the dark parts of humanity prevail.
That is why when others step away from the fight, we step up.
Some say that we are to accept the things we cannot change. Our team believes that we are to change the things we cannot accept.
We do not accept that we must live in a world of fraud and corruption. So we fight. Here’s why:
- We fight for the money: Stealing is illegal and immoral.
- We fight for the weak: We fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.
- We fight for families: We defend families from financial predators.
- We fight to teach: To teach our children by example.
- We fight for love: To protect the legacy of those who loved us enough to leave an inheritance.
- We fight for the law: To ensure the law applies to the weak and powerful alike.
- We fight as a message: We stand as a warning that fraud and corruption will be confronted.
- We fight to exhort: If our volunteers will step into the fight, perhaps others will join.
- We fight to recover: Thieves don’t voluntarily return what they’ve taken.
- We fight for peace: We work to stop the corrupt from destroying the peace and order of our communities.
We refuse to live in legal, financial, and spiritual squalor. We reject the idea that “it’s just the way it is.” We do not consent to be ruled by the corrupt. We fight because it’s in our DNA. Our values. Our character.
Who we are— is why we fight.
To the weak and meek, we offer tender mercies. From the evil and corrupt, we seek lavish recompense.
Not everyone is built to fight, but for those who do have that courage, there is a reward. In the face of British corruption that targeted the colonies, Thomas Payne wrote:
“Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.”
If you or someone you love is being targeted by fraud or corruption in a probate, trust, estate or guardianship, we may be able to help. It is all we do, and we do it for free.
If you would like to join us as a volunteer in the fight, please reach out.
Our email address is: stopprobatefraud@gmail.com
If not now, when?
If not us, who?
Site disclaimer: It is not legal, financial, accounting, medical, or psychological advice.